Here are some pictures of Thorshof's answer to the ancient Uppsala nine year festival. The first of which was held in September 2002, which also happened to be the ninth year that Thorskegga has lived at Thorshof cottage.
Thorshof members built an irminsul to represent the world tree. The post is made of an eight foot length of 4'' by 4'' beam with a carved branch design across the top based on old depictions. A large bundle of twisted willow was tied to its centre At the beginning of the ceremony everyone hung nine gifts on the tree.
At the high point of the three day festival figures of six gods and goddesses were carried from the hof to the top of the garden. We had made statues of Frigg, Woden, Freya, Frey, Sif and Thor. Here you can see Thor being carried. The figures are about four feet tall and made of solid wooden beams with sculpted heads made of salt dough. The arms are made of wire with salt dough hands. Dressed up the figures look very imposing. Each figure was greeted by special poems written by Math Jones for the occassion and appropriate music played by Janet and Chris Thorn on bagpipes and hurdigurdie. Thor was left to last and greeted by a frenzy of drumming.
A special dish was prepared in honour of each god and and goddess. The ceremony continued with the passing of a drinking-horn for all present to toast their favoured deities. We almost always include a blessing in the form of a sprinkling of ale, water or mead in our ceremonies (centuries ago this was done with the blood of sacrificial beasts). In a very unusal tribute to the heathens of old we saved some of the blood from the meat dishes for an additional blessing (many of us are vegetarians so we don't do this very often!)
The great feast, including the special dishes cooked in honour of the gods and goddesses. The day ended with music and dancing.
The hosts of Thorshof, Thorskegga and Dragon enjoy a well earned party after considerable hard work organising the nine year festival. Should be much easier next time!